Previous Year Questions: Vector Analysis

(2008-23)
Scalar and vector fields, differentiation of vector field of a scalar variable

1. For two vectors 𝑎⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏⃗ given respectively by 𝑎⃗ = 5𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑡𝚥̂ − 𝑡 𝑘 and 𝑏⃗ = sin 𝑡 𝚤̂ −

cos 𝑡 𝚥̂. Determine: (i) (𝑎⃗. 𝑏⃗) and (ii) (𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗) (10)

2. If 𝐴⃗ = 𝑥 𝑦𝑧𝚤̂ − 2𝑥𝑧 𝚥̂ + 𝑥𝑧 𝑘 , 𝐵⃗ = 2𝑧𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ − 𝑥 𝑘 , find the value of (𝑨⃗ × 𝑩⃗) at

(1,0, −2).
3. A curve in space is defined by the vector equation 𝑟⃗ = 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 2𝑡𝚥̂ − 𝑡 𝑘. Determine
the angle between the tangents to this curve at the points 𝑡 = +1 and 𝑡 = −1.
4. Find the angle between the surfaces 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9 and 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 3 at
(2, −1,2). (10)
5. Find the value of 𝜆 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇 so that the surfaces 𝜆𝑥 − 𝜇𝑦𝑧 = (𝜆 + 2)𝑥 and 4𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑧 =
4 may intersect orthogonally at (1, −1,2).
6. Prove that the vectors 𝑎⃗ = 3𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ − 2𝑘 , 𝑏⃗ = −𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ + 4𝑘 , 𝑐⃗ = 4𝚤̂ − 2𝚥̂ − 6𝑘 can form the
sides of a triangle. Find the lengths of the medians of the triangle.
7. The position vector of a moving point at time t is 𝑟⃗ = sin 𝑡 𝚤̂ + cos 2𝑡 𝚥̂ + (𝑡 + 2𝑡)𝑘 .
Find the components of the acceleration 𝑎⃗ in the directions parallel to the velocity
vector 𝑣⃗ and perpendicular to the plane of 𝑟⃗ and 𝑣⃗ at time 𝑡 = 0. (10)
8. Find the angle between the tangent at a general point of the curve whose equation
are 𝑥 = 3𝑡, 𝑦 = 3𝑡 , 𝑧 = 3𝑡 and the line 𝑦 = 𝑧 − 𝑥 = 0.
9. If 𝑎⃗ = sin 𝜃 𝚤̂ + cos 𝜃 𝚥̂ + 𝜃𝑘 , 𝑏⃗ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝚤̂ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝚥̂ − 3𝑘 , 𝑐⃗ = 2𝚤̂ + 3𝚥̂ − 3𝑘 , then find the
values of the derivative of the vector function 𝑎⃗ × (𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗) wrt 𝜃 at 𝜃 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃 = 𝜋.

(10, 2023)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

 Gradient, divergence and curl in cartesian and cylindrical
coordinates; Vector identities and vector equations

1. Find the constants ′𝑎′ and ′𝑏′ so that the surface 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦𝑧 = (𝑎 + 2)𝑥 will be
orthogonal to the surface 4𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 4 at the point (1, −1,2).
2. Show that 𝐹⃗ = (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + 𝑥 𝚥̂ + 3𝑥𝑧 𝑘 is a conservative force field. Find the
scalar potential for 𝐹⃗ and work done in moving an object in this field from

(1, −2,1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (3,1,4). Prove that ∇ 𝑓(𝑟) = + where 𝑟 = (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 ) . Hence

find 𝑓(𝑟) such that ∇ 𝑓(𝑟) = 0.

3. Show that 𝑑𝑖𝑣 (𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑟 ) = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)𝑟 where 𝑟 = 𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧 .
4. Find the directional derivatives of:
a. 4𝑥𝑧 − 3𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 at (2, −1,2) along z axis;
b. 𝑥 𝑦𝑧 + 4𝑥𝑧 at (1, −2,1) in the direction of 2𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂ − 2𝑘 .
5. Find the directional derivatives of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 at the point (2,1) in the
direction of a unit vector which makes an angle of 𝜋/3 with the x axis.
6. Show that the vector field defined by the vector function 𝑉⃗ = 𝑥𝑦𝑧(𝑦𝑧𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝑧𝚥̂ + 𝑥𝑦𝑘 )
is conservative.
7. Prove that 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑓𝑉⃗ = 𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑉⃗ + (𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑓)𝑉⃗ where f is a scalar function.
8. Examine whether the vectors ∇𝑢, ∇𝑣 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∇𝑤 are coplanar, where u,v and w are the
scalar functions defined by: 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧, 𝑣 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥.
9. If u and v are two scalar fields and 𝑓⃗ is vector field, such that 𝑢𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑣, find the
value of 𝑓⃗. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓⃗.
10. If 𝑟⃗ be the position vector of a point, find the value(s) of n for which the vector 𝑟 𝑟⃗
is (i) irrotational (ii) solenoidal
11. Calculate ∇ (𝑟 ) and find it’s expression in terms of r and n, r being the distance
of any point (x,y,z) from the origin, n being a constant and ∇ being the Laplace
Operator.
12. A vector field is given by 𝐹⃗ = (𝑥 + 𝑥𝑦 )𝚤̂ + (𝑦 + 𝑥 𝑦)𝚥̂. Verify that the field 𝐹⃗ is
irrotational or not. Find the scalar potential.
⃗
13. Find 𝑓(𝑟) such that ∇𝑓 = and 𝑓(1) = 0. (10)

14. For what values of the constants a, b and c , the vector 𝑉⃗ = (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧)𝚤̂ +
(𝑏𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧)𝚥̂ + (−𝑥 + 𝑐𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑘 is irrotational. Find the divergence in cylindrical
coordinates of this vector with these values. (10)
15. Let 𝑣⃗ = 𝑣 𝚤̂ + 𝑣 𝚥̂ + 𝑣 𝑘 . Show that 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙(𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑣⃗) = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑(𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑣⃗) − ∇ 𝑣⃗. (12)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

16. Find the directional derivative of the function 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑧𝑥 along the tangent
to the curve 𝑥 = 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 = 𝑡 at the point (1,1,1). (10)
17. For what values of a, b, c is the vector field 𝑉⃗ = (−4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑏𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 5𝑧)𝚥̂ +
(4𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 3𝑧)𝑘 irrotational? Hence express 𝑉⃗ as the gradient of the scalar function
𝜙. Determine 𝜙. (10)
18. Show that 𝐴⃗ = (6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + (3𝑥 − 𝑧)𝚥̂ + (3𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦)𝑘 is irrotational? Also find
𝜙, such that 𝐴⃗ = ∇𝜙. (10, 2022)
19. For a scalar point function 𝜙 and vector point function 𝑓⃗, prove that the identity
( )
∇ ⋅ 𝜙𝑓⃗ = ∇𝜙 ⋅ 𝑓⃗ + 𝜙 ∇ ⋅ 𝑓⃗ . Also find the value of ∇ ⋅ 𝑟⃗ and then verify the

stated identity. (15, 2023)

Vector Integration: Gauss and Stokes’ theorems, Green’s

identities

1. Evaluate ∫ 𝐴⃗. 𝑑𝑟⃗ along the curve 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1, 𝑧 = 1 from (0,1,1) 𝑡𝑜 (1,0,1) if 𝐴⃗ =

(𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑥)𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝑧𝚥̂ + (𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑘 .

2. Find ∫ 𝑇 ⋅ 𝑑𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 T is unit tangent vector and C is the unit circle in xy plane
with centre at (0,0)

3. Find the work done in moving the particle once round the ellipse + = 1, 𝑧 = 0

under the field of force given by 𝐹⃗ = (2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 )𝚥̂ + (3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 4𝑧)𝑘.
4. Evaluate ∫ 𝑒 (sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦), where C is the rectangle with vertices

(0,0), (𝜋, 0), 𝜋, , 0, . (12)

5. Find the circulation of 𝐹⃗ round the curve C, where 𝐹⃗ = (2𝑥 + 𝑦 )𝚤̂ + (3𝑦 − 4𝑥)𝚥̂ and
C is the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 from (0,0) to (1,1) and the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 from (1,1) to (0,0).
6. For the vector function 𝐴⃗, where 𝐴⃗ = (3𝑥 + 6𝑦)𝚤̂ − 14𝑦𝑧𝚥̂ + 20𝑥𝑧 𝑘, calculate ∫ 𝐴⃗. 𝑑𝑟⃗
from (0,0,0) 𝑡𝑜 (1,1,1) along the following paths:
a. 𝑥 = 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 𝑡
b. Straight lines joining (0,0,0) to (1,0,0) ,then to (1,1,0) and then to (1,1,1).
c. Straight line joining (0,0,0)𝑡𝑜 (1,1,1)
Is the result same in all the cases? Explain the reason. (15)

7. Evaluate ∬ 𝐹⃗ . 𝑛 𝑑𝑠 where 𝐹⃗ = 4𝑥𝚤̂ − 2𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 and S is the surface bounded by 𝑥 +

𝑦 = 4, 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = 3.

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

8. Using the divergence theorem, evaluate ∬ 𝐴⃗. 𝑑𝑆⃗ where 𝐴⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 and S
is the surface of the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 𝑎 .(20)
9. Find the value of ∬ 𝛻 × 𝐹 ∙ 𝑑𝑆⃗ taken over the upper portion of the surface 𝑥 + 𝑦 −

2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑧 = 0 and the bounding curve lies in the plane 𝑧 = 0, when 𝐹⃗ =

(𝑦 + 𝑧 − 𝑥 )𝚤̂ + (−𝑦 + 𝑧 + 𝑥 )𝚥̂ + (𝑦 − 𝑧 + 𝑥 )𝑘 .
10. Use the divergence theorem to evaluate ∬ 𝑉⃗ . 𝑛⃗ 𝑑𝑆 where 𝑉⃗ = 𝑥 𝑧𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ − 𝑥𝑧 𝑘 and
S is the boundary of the region bounded by the paraboloid 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 and the
plane 𝑧 = 4𝑦.
11. Verify Green’s theorem for 𝑒 sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑒 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 , the path of integration being

the boundary of the square whose vertices are (0,0), ,0 , , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0, .

12. If 𝑢⃗ = 4𝑦𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝚥̂ − 2𝑧𝑘, calculate the double integral ∬ (∇ × 𝑢⃗) ⋅ 𝑑𝑠⃗ over the
hemisphere given by 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 𝑎 , 𝑧 ≥ 0. (15)
13. Verify Gauss Divergence Theorem for the vector 𝑣⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ − 𝑧 𝑘 taken over the
cube 0 ≤ 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ≤ 1. (15)
14. Verify Green’s theorem in the plane for ∮ {𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 }𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 where C is the closed
curve of the region bounded by 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑥 .
15. If 𝐹⃗ = 𝑦𝚤̂ + (𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑧)𝚥̂ − 𝑥𝑦𝑘 , evaluate ∬ ∇⃗ × 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑛⃗𝑑𝑆 where S is the surface of the
sphere 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 𝑥 = 𝑎 above the xy plane.

16. By using DTG, evaluate the surface integral ∬ (𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑏 𝑦 + 𝑐 𝑧 ) 𝑑𝑆, where S

is the surface of the ellipsoid 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 1, 𝑎, 𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 being all the positive
constants.
17. Use Stokes theorem to evaluate the line integral ∫ (−𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑧 𝑑𝑧), where
C is intersection of the cylinder 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1 and the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1.
18. Evaluate by Stokes’ Theorem ∫ (𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑧𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑑𝑧) where Γ is the curve given by
𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 2𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝑎 starting from (2𝑎, 0,0) and then going
below the z plane.(20)
19. Prove that ∮ 𝑓 𝑑𝑟⃗ = ∬ 𝑑𝑆⃗ × ∇𝑓 . (10)

20. Evaluate the integral: ∬ 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑛 𝑑𝑠 where 𝐹⃗ = 3𝑥𝑦 𝚤̂ + (𝑦𝑥 − 𝑦 )𝚥̂ + 3𝑧𝑥 𝑘 and S is a
surface of the cylinder 𝑦 + 𝑧 ≤ 4, −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3, using divergence theorem. (09)
21. Using Green’s theorem, evaluate the ∫ 𝐹(𝑟̅ ) ⋅ 𝑑𝑟̅ counterclockwise where 𝐹⃗ (𝑟) =
(𝑥 + 𝑦 )𝚤̂ + (𝑥 − 𝑦 )𝚥̂ and 𝑑𝑟̅ = 𝑑𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑑𝑦 𝚥̂ and the curve C is the boundary of the
region 𝑅 = {(𝑥, 𝑦)|1 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 2 − 𝑥 } . (08)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

22. If S is the surface of the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 𝑎 , then evaluate ∬ [(𝑥 + 𝑧)𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 +
(𝑦 + 𝑧)𝑑𝑧𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦] using Gauss’ Divergence Theorem.(12)
23. Evaluate the line integral ∫ −𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑑𝑧 using Stokes’s theorem. Here C
is the intersection of the cylinder 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1 and the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1. The
orientation on C corresponds to counterclockwise motion in the xy plane.
24. Let 𝐹⃗ = 𝑥𝑦 𝚤̂ + (𝑦 + 𝑥)𝚥̂. Integrate ∇ × 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑘 over the region in the first quadrant
bounded by the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 using Green’s theorem. (13)
25. State Gauss Divergence theorem. Verify this theorem for 𝐹⃗ = 4𝑥𝚤̂ − 2𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘,
taken over the region bounded by 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4, 𝑧 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 = 3.(15)
26. Evaluate by the Stoke’s theorem ∮ 𝑒 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑦 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑑𝑧, where C is the curve 𝑥 +
𝑦 = 4, 𝑧 = 2. (5)
27. Verify the Stokes theorem for the vector field 𝐹⃗ = 𝑥𝑦𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝑧𝚥̂ + 𝑥𝑧𝑘 on the surface S
which is the part of the cylinder 𝑧 = 1 − 𝑥 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1, −2 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 2; S is oriented
outwards. (20)
28. Using Stokes’ Theorem. Evaluate ∬ 𝛻 × 𝐹⃗ . 𝑛⃗ 𝑑𝑆, where 𝐹⃗ = (𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4)𝚤̂ + 3𝑥𝑦𝚥̂ +

(2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝑘 and S is the surface of the paraboloid 𝑧 = 4 − (𝑥 + 𝑦 ) above the xy

plane. Here, 𝑛⃗ is the unit outward normal vector on S. (15M, 2021)
29. Verify Gauss Divergence Theorem for 𝐹⃗ = 2𝑥 𝑦𝚤̂ − 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 4𝑥𝑧 𝑘 taken over the
region in the first octant bounded by 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9 and 𝑥 = 2. (20M, 2021)
30. Evaluate ∫ 𝐹⃗ . 𝑑𝑟⃗, where C is an arbitrary closed curve in the xy plane and 𝐹⃗ =
̂ ̂
. (15M, 2021).

31. Verify Stokes theorem for 𝐹⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑧 𝚥̂ + 𝑦 𝑘 over the plane surface: 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1,
lying in the first octant. (20, 2022)
32. Using Gauss divergence theorem, evaluate ∬ 𝐹⃗ . 𝑑𝑆⃗ where 𝐹⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ − 𝑦𝚥̂ + (𝑧 − 1)𝑘
and S is the cylinder formed by the surfaces 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 = 1, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4. (15. 2022)
33. Evaluate the integral ∬ 3𝑦 𝑧 𝚤̂ + 4𝑧 𝑥 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑦 𝑘 ⋅ 𝑛 𝑑𝑆, where S is the upper part
of the surface 4𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 1 above the plane 𝑧 = 0 and bounded by the xy
plane. Hence verify Gauss-Divergence theorem. (20, 2023)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

 Serret-Frenet’s formulae, Curvature and torsion

1. Show that for the space curve 𝑥 = 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 𝑡 , the curvature and torsion are

same at every point.

2. Derive the Frenet- Serret formulae. Define the curvature and torsion for a space

curve. Compute them for the space curve 𝑥 = 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 𝑡 . Show that the

curvature and torsion are equal for this curve. (20)

3. Show that the curve 𝑥⃗(𝑡) = 𝑡𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 lies in a plane.

4. Find the curvature vector at any point of the curve 𝑟⃗(𝑡) = 𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑡 sin 𝑡 𝚥̂, 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤
2𝜋. Give its magnitude also.(10)
5. Find the curvature vector and its magnitude at any point 𝑟⃗ = (𝜃) of the curve 𝑟⃗ =
(𝑎 cos 𝜃 , 𝑎 sin 𝜃 , 𝑎𝜃). Show that the locus of the feet of the perpendicular from the
origin to the tangent is a curve that completely lies on the hyperboloid 𝑥 + 𝑦 −
𝑧 = 𝑎 .(16)
6. Find the curvature and torsion of the curve 𝑟⃗ = 𝑎(𝑢 − sin 𝑢)𝚤̂ + 𝑎(1 − cos 𝑢)𝚥̂ + 𝑏𝑢𝑘.
(12)
7. Find the radius of curvature and radius of torsion of the helix 𝑥 = a cos 𝑢 , 𝑦 =
𝑎 sin 𝑢 , 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑢 tan 𝛼. (15)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

 Tutorial Sheet: Vector Analysis

Vector Differential Calculus: Gradient, Divergence and Curl

⃗
1. A vector function 𝑓⃗ is constant iff = 0.
⃗
2. A vector function 𝑓⃗ is of constant magnitude iff 𝑓⃗ ⋅ = 0.
⃗
3. A vector function 𝑎⃗(𝑡) has constant direction iff 𝑎⃗ × = 0.
⃗ ⃗
4. If 𝑅⃗ be a unit vector in the direction of 𝑟⃗. Prove that 𝑅⃗ × = 𝑟⃗ × , where 𝑟 =

|𝑟⃗|.
5. If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 3𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑧 , find 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑓 at the point (1, −2, −1).
6. If 𝑟 = |𝑟⃗| where 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑧𝑘 , prove that:
a. ∇𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 (𝑟) ∇𝑟
b. ∇𝑟 = 𝑟⃗

c. ∇𝑟 = 𝑛𝑟 𝑟⃗
7. Show that
a. 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 (𝒓 ⋅ 𝒂) = 𝒂
b. 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑[𝒓, 𝒂, 𝒃] = 𝒂 × 𝒃, where a and b are constant vectors.
8. Find the directional derivative of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 𝑦𝑧 + 4𝑥𝑧 at the point (1, −2, −1) in
the direction of vector 2𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂ − 2𝑘 .
9. Find the directional derivative of the function 𝑓 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 at the point
P(1,2,3) in the direction of the line PQ where Q is the point (5,0,4).
10. In what direction from the point (1,1, −1) is the directional derivative of 𝑓 = 𝑥 −
2𝑦 + 4𝑧 is a maximum? Also find the value of this maximum directional
derivative.
11. What is the greatest rate of increase of 𝑢 = 𝑥𝑦𝑧 at the point (1,0,3)?
12. Find the angle between the surfaces 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 − 3 at the
point (2, −1,2).
13. Determine the constant ‘a’ so that the vector 𝑽 = (𝑥 + 3𝑦)𝚤̂ + (𝑦 − 2𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑥 + 𝑎𝑧)𝑘
is solenoidal.
14. Show that the vector 𝑽 = (sin 𝑦 + 𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑥 cos 𝑦 − 𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑥 − 𝑦)𝑘 is irrotational.
15. If a is a constant vector, find
a. div (𝒓 × 𝒂)
b. curl (𝒓 × 𝒂)

16. Show that ∇ = 0.

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

17. Prove the following:
a. 𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝜙𝑨) = (𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝜙) ⋅ 𝑨 + 𝜙 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑨
b. ∇ × (𝜙𝑨) = (∇𝜙) × 𝑨 + 𝜙(∇ × 𝑨)
c. 𝛁 ⋅ (𝑨 × 𝑩) = 𝑩 ⋅ (𝛁 × 𝑨) − 𝑨 ⋅ (𝛁 × 𝑩)
d. 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍 (𝑨 × 𝑩) = (𝑩 ⋅ 𝛁)𝑨 − (𝑨 ⋅ 𝜵)𝑩 + 𝑨 𝒅𝒊𝒗 𝑩 − 𝑩 𝒅𝒊𝒗 𝑨
e. 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 (𝑨 ⋅ 𝑩) = (𝑩 ⋅ 𝜵)𝑨 + (𝑨 ⋅ 𝜵)𝑩 + 𝑩 × 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍 𝑨 + 𝑨 × 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍 𝑩
f. ∇ ⋅ (∇𝜙) = ∇ 𝜙
g. 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑨 = 0
h. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝜙 = 𝟎
i. ∇ × (∇ × 𝑨) = 𝛻(𝛻 ⋅ 𝑨) − 𝛻 𝑨
j. 𝑑𝑖𝑣 (𝑟 𝒓⃗ = (𝑛 + 3)𝑟
k. ∇ 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑓 ′′ (𝑟) + 𝑓 ′ (𝑟)

l. 𝛻 𝑟 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)𝑟 ,

m. ∇ ⋅ r∇ =
(𝒂⋅𝒓)(𝒃⋅𝒓) 𝒂⋅𝒃
n. 𝒃 ⋅ 𝛻 𝒂 ⋅ 𝛻 = −

o. 𝒅𝒊𝒗 [(𝒓 × 𝒂) × 𝒃] = −𝟐𝒃 ⋅ 𝒂

p. 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍 [(𝒓 × 𝒂) × 𝒃] = 𝒃 × 𝒂
𝒂×𝒓 𝒂 𝒓
q. If a is a constant vector, prove that 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 =− + (𝒂. 𝒓)

Serret-Frenet’s formulae, Curvature and torsion

⃗ ⃗
×
1. If 𝜅 is the curvature and 𝜏 is the torsion of a curve 𝑟⃗(𝑠) then 𝜅 = ⃗
and 𝜏 =

2 3
𝑑𝑟⃗ 𝑑 𝑟⃗ 𝑑 𝑟⃗
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠2 𝑑𝑠3
.
2 2
𝑑𝑟⃗ 𝑑 𝑟⃗
×
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠2

⃗ ⃗
2. Show that the Frenet Serret formulas can be written in the form = 𝜔⃗ × 𝑇⃗, =
⃗
𝜔⃗ × 𝑁⃗ and = 𝜔⃗ × 𝐵⃗ where 𝜔⃗ = 𝜏𝑇⃗ + 𝜅𝐵⃗.

3. For the curve 𝑥 = 3 cos 𝑡 , 𝑦 = 3 sin 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 4𝑡. Find 𝑇, 𝑁 , 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜅, 𝜏.

4. The necessary and sufficient condition for a curve to be a straight line is the
vanishing of the curvature 𝜅 at every point on the curve.
5. The necessary and sufficient condition for a curve to be planar is the vanishing
of the torsion 𝜏 at every point on the curve.

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

6. Prove that the radius of curvature of the curve with parametric equations 𝑥 =

𝑥(𝑠), 𝑦 = 𝑦(𝑠), 𝑧 = 𝑧(𝑠) is given by 𝜌 = + +

Green’s , Gauss’s and Stokes Theorems

1. Evaluate ∫ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝑑𝑟, where 𝑭 = 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ and curve C is the arc of the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥

in the x-y plane from (0,0) to (1,1). (7/12)
2. Evaluate ∫ (𝑥𝑑𝑦 − 𝑦𝑑𝑥) around the circle 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1.
3. Evaluate ∫ 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑠, where C is the segment of the line 𝑦 = 2𝑥 in the x-y plane from

(−1, −2) 𝑡𝑜 (1,2). (16/√5)

4. Evaluate ∫ {(2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 cos 𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + (1 − 2𝑦 sin 𝑥 + 3𝑥 𝑦 )𝑑𝑦} where C is the arc of the

parabola 2𝑥 = 𝜋𝑦 from (0,0) 𝑡𝑜 , 1 . (𝜋 /4)

5. Evaluate ∬ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆, where 𝑭 = 𝑧𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝚥̂ − 3𝑦 𝑧𝑘 and S is the surface of the cylinder
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 16 included in the first octant between 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = 5. (90)
6. Evaluate ∬ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆, where 𝑭 = (𝑥 + 𝑦 )𝚤̂ − 2𝑥𝚥̂ + 2𝑦𝑧𝑘 and S is the surface of the
plane 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 6 in the first octant. (81)
7. Evaluate ∬ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆, where 𝑭 = 𝑦𝚤̂ + 2𝑥𝚥̂ − 𝑧𝑘 and S is the surface of the plane 2𝑥 +
𝑦 = 6 in the first octant cut off by the plane 𝑧 = 4. (108)
8. Evaluate by Green’s theorem ∮ {(cos 𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + sin 𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦}, where C is the
circle 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1.
9. Show that the area bounded by a simple closed curve C is given by ∮ (𝑥𝑑𝑦 − 𝑦𝑑𝑥).
Hence, find the area of the ellipse 𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝜃.
10. Let 𝜙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜓 be scalar point functions which together with their derivatives in any
direction are uniform and continuous within the region V bounded by a closed
surface S, then prove that ∭ (𝜙∇ 𝜓 − 𝜓𝛻 𝜙) 𝑑𝑉 = ∬ (𝜙∇𝜓 − 𝜓𝛻𝜙) ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆.
11. Prove that ∭ 𝛻𝜙 𝑑𝑉 = ∬ 𝜙𝒏 𝑑𝑆.
12. Prove that ∭ 𝛻 × 𝑩 𝑑𝑉 = ∬ 𝒏 × 𝑩 𝑑𝑆.

13. If 𝑭 = 𝑎𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑏𝑦𝚥̂ + 𝑐𝑧𝑘 , a,b,c are constants, show that ∬ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 = 𝜋(𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐),

where S is the surface of a unit sphere.

14. If 𝜙 is harmonic in V , then ∬ 𝜕𝜙/𝜕𝑛 𝑑𝑆 = 0 where S is the surface enclosing V.
15. Show that ∬ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 = 0 for any closed surface S.

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

16. Prove that ∬ (∇𝜙) × 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 = 0 for a closed surface S.

17. Prove that ∬ 𝒏 × (𝒂 × 𝒓)𝑑𝑆 = 2𝑉𝒂, where a is a constant vector and V is the volume
enclosed by the closed surface S.
18. By transforming to a triple integral, evaluate 𝐼 = ∬ (𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 + 𝑥 𝑦 𝑑𝑧𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑧 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦)
where S is the closed surface bounded by the planes 𝑧 = 0, 𝑧 =

𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑎 . 𝜋𝑎 𝑏

19. Find ∬ 𝑨. 𝒏 𝑑𝑆, where 𝑨 = (2𝑥 + 3𝑧)𝚤̂ − (𝑥𝑧 + 𝑦)𝚥̂ + (𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑘 and S is the surface of

the sphere having center at (3, −1,2) and radius 3. ( 𝜋)

20. Evaluate ∬ (𝑦 𝑧 𝚤̂ + 𝑧 𝑥 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑦 𝑘). 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 where S is the part of the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 +

𝑧 = 1 above the x-y plane and bounded by this plane.

21. Evaluate ∬ 𝑭 ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 over the entire surface of the region above the xy plane

bounded by the cone 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 and the plane 𝑧 = 4, if 𝑭 = 4𝑥𝑧𝚤̂ + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 𝚥̂ + 3𝑧𝑘.

(320𝜋)
22. Show that ∬ (𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 ) ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 vanishes where S denotes the surface of the

ellipsoid + + = 1.

23. If 𝑭 = (𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4)𝚤̂ + 3𝑥𝑦𝚥̂ + (2𝑥𝑧 + 𝑧 )𝑘, evaluate ∬ (∇ × 𝑭) ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆, where S is the

surface of the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 16 above the x-y plane. (−16𝜋)
24. Evaluate ∬ (∇ × 𝑨). 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 where 𝑨 = (𝑥 − 𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑥 + 𝑦𝑧)𝚥̂ − 3𝑥𝑦 𝑘 and S is the

surface of the cone 𝑧 = 2 − 𝑥 + 𝑦 above the x-y plane. (12 𝜋)

25. Evaluate ∬ (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 ) 𝑑𝑆 over the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1 using the

divergence theorem. (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) 𝜋

26. Let S be closed surface and let r be position vector of any point (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) measured
𝒓
from origin O. Then ∬ ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 is equal to

a. Zero if O lies outside S

b. 4𝜋 if O lies inside S
27. Prove that ∮ 𝒓 ⋅ 𝑑𝒓 = 0.
28. Prove that ∮ 𝜙∇𝜓 ⋅ 𝑑𝒓 = ∬ [𝛻𝜙 × ∇𝜓] ⋅ 𝒏 𝑑𝑆.

29. Verify Stoke’s Theorem for 𝑭 = 𝑦𝚤̂ + 𝑧𝚥̂ + 𝑥𝑘 where S is the upper half surface of the
sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1 and C is its boundary. (−𝜋)
30. Apply Stoke’s Theorem to prove that ∫ (𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑧𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑑𝑧) = −2√2 𝜋 𝑎 where C is
the curve given by 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 2𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝑎 and begins at the point
(2𝑎, 0,0) and goes at first below the z plane.

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R

31. Evaluate the surface integral ∬ 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑭. 𝒏 𝑑𝑆 by transforming it into a line integral,
S being that part of the surface of the paraboloid 𝑧 = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦 for which 𝑧 ≥ 0
and 𝑭 = 𝑦𝚤̂ + 𝑧𝚥̂ + 𝑥𝑘 .(-π )
32. If 𝑭 = (𝑦 + 𝑧 − 𝑥 )𝚤̂ + (−𝑦 + 𝑧 + 𝑥 )𝚥̂ + (𝑦 − 𝑧 + 𝑥 )𝑘, evaluate ∬ 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑭. 𝒏 𝑑𝑆
taken over the portion of the surface 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑧 = 0 above the plane
𝑧 = 0, and verify Stoke’s theorem. (2 𝜋𝑎 )
33. Are the following form exact :
a. 𝑥𝑑𝑥 − 𝑦𝑑𝑦 + 𝑧𝑑𝑧
b. 𝑦𝑧 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑧.
34. Show that 𝑭 = (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + 𝑥 𝚥̂ + 3𝑥𝑧 𝑘 is a conservative force field. Find the
scalar potential. Find also the work done in moving an object in this field from
(1, −2,1) 𝑡𝑜 (3,1,4). (202)
35. Evaluate ∫ 𝑦𝑧 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥𝑧 + 1) 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑧 where C is any path from (1,0,0)𝑡𝑜 (2,1,4). (9)

36. If 𝑭 = cos 𝑦 𝚤̂ − 𝑥 sin 𝑦 𝚥̂, evaluate ∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 where C is the curve 𝑦 = √1 − 𝑥 in the x-y
plane from (1,0) 𝑡𝑜 (0,1). (-1)
37. Show that the vector field F given by 𝑭 = (𝑥 − 𝑦𝑧)𝚤̂ + (𝑦 − 𝑥𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑧 − 𝑥𝑦)𝑘 is

irrotational. Find a scalar 𝜙 such that 𝑭 = ∇𝜙. ( − 𝑥𝑦𝑧 + 𝐶).

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, IIT R